Can content instruction and English language instruction be done in tandem for ESL's and LEPs? Please share your thoughts...
ESL - English as a Second Language
LEP-Low English Proficiency
I think that content instruction and English Language instruction can be done in tandem for ESLs and LEPs but it will require serious dedication on the part of the teacher and student.
Vacca and Vacca (2008) advocate the Sheltered Instruction for English Learners that would entail such strategies as:
• simplifying language,
• speaking slowly and clearly,
• repetition,
• developing vocabulary,
• using the repeated reading strategy,
• other methods for active engagement including a variety of instructional materials, and writing strategies.
One must understand however, that a student who falls in the category of ESL or LEP will surely struggle with reading and writing in the content area. It follows therefore, that for these strategies to be effective the teacher must make a commitment to being well organised, that is, he must always have well planned lessons that are dynamic and engaging to the students at all times. Indeed, all teachers can be effective and meet the needs of our students as long as we are committed to those under our charge.
Vacca and Vacca have been professional contributors for a long time, starting with their first book, Content Area Reading. This focus on ESL/LEP learners is practical and thoughtful. If you'd like to objectively track the implementation of their suggestions and the impact on student behaviors, a good companion tool is the eCOVE Observation Software. It can be used to track any observable behavior. www.ecove.net
ReplyDelete@John, thank you for the great software idea. The Vacca and Vacca stragety looks really good. I agree that the teacher would have to be very dedicated. It might also be handy to have another teacher do classroom walkthroughs and make suggestions on what the other teacher could be doing better.
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